Salem State University Library Demolition

For the first phase, SGH worked for PARE and developed structural demolition plans for removal of the library’s west wing.  Working for EFI Global, SGH developed structural and general demolition plans for the second phase that included removal of the remaining building.  Our work in developing the demolition plans included the following:

• Consideration of previous repairs to address original design and construction defects, which resulted in non-standard load paths that affected the selected sequence of demolition
• Determination of depths and weights of debris piles that could be stacked on the floors
• Confirmation that proposed demolition equipment could be safely operated on the existing structure
• Development of requirements for temporary shoring and support of basement walls during demolition
• Evaluation of the effects of demolition on the lateral stability of the building

The existing concrete was contaminated with PCBs and other toxic materials.  We worked closely with DCAMM and EFI Global, the licensed site professional, to develop strategies to safely demolish the building and segregate contaminated concrete, concrete masonry, and brick from uncontaminated materials.

SGH monitored construction vibrations during demolition and also provided construction phase services that included the following:

• Development of plans for temporary traffic management, accessible parking, construction logistics, and construction phase stormwater management that included a temporary sediment basin
• Recommendations for erosion and sedimentation control, site grading, utility abandonment, and surface restoration